Tropical flowering plants can transform any garden into a vibrant paradise. Known for their striking colors, unique shapes, and lush foliage, these plants thrive in warm climates and can add a touch of the exotic to your outdoor space. Whether you live in a tropical region or want to create a tropical oasis in your garden, here are some of the best tropical flowering plants to consider.
Best Tropical Flowering Plants
Allamanda | |
Plant Type
| Shrub or vine |
Light
| Full sun |
Soil
| Well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil consistently moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia) | |
Plant Type
| Shrub or small tree |
Light
| Full sun to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained, fertile soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil consistently moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Anthurium (flamingo flower, laceleaf) | |
Plant Type
| Herbaceous, tropical perennial |
Light
| Bright indirect light |
Soil
| Well-drained, peat-based mix |
Water Requirement
| Keep soil consistently moist |
Bloom Time
| Blooms throughout the year |
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia, crane flower) | |
Plant Type
| Perennial, herbaceous |
Light
| Full sun to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained, rich soil |
Water Requirement
| Moderate watering (keep soil moist but not soggy) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms in late winter to early spring |
Bougainvillea (paperflower) | |
Plant Type
| – Climbing vine or shrub |
Light
| – Full sun |
Soil
| – Well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| – Drought-tolerant once established |
Bloom Time
| – Blooms from spring to fall |
Bromeliads | |
Plant Type
| Perennial |
Light
| Indirect sunlight to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-draining mix (such as orchid bark or sphagnum moss) |
Water Requirement
| Moderate watering (keep central cup filled with water) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms vary by species (often once in a lifetime per plant, flower remains up to 6 months) |
Ginger (Zingiber) | |
Plant Type
| Perennial, herbaceous |
Light
| Partial shade |
Soil
| Rich, moist, well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil consistently moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from summer to fall |
Heliconia (Lobster Claw) | |
Plant Type
| Perennial |
Light
| Partial shade |
Soil
| Moist, well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms year-round in tropical climates |
Hibiscus | |
Plant Type
| Shrub, perennial, herbaceous, annual |
Light
| Full sun, partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil consistently moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Ixora | |
Plant Type
| Shrub |
Light
| Full sun to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms year-round in tropical climates |
Mandevilla | |
Plant Type
| Vine |
Light
| Full sun to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained, sandy soil |
Water Requirement
| Moderate watering (allow soil to dry slightly between waterings) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Orchids | |
Plant Type
| Perennial, herbaceous |
Light
| Indirect sunlight |
Soil
| Special orchid mix or bark |
Water Requirement
| Moderate watering (allow to dry slightly between waterings) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms vary by species (often once or twice a year) |
Plumeria (Frangipani) | |
Plant Type
| Small tree or shrub |
Light
| Full sun |
Soil
| Well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Moderate watering (allow soil to dry out between waterings) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Red Passion Flower (Passiflora coccinea) | |
Plant Type
| Vine |
Light
| Full sun to partial shade |
Soil
| Well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms from spring to fall |
Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) | |
Plant Type
| Perennial, herbaceous |
Light
| Full sun, partial shade |
Soil
| Moist, rich, well-drained soil |
Water Requirement
| Regular watering (keep soil moist) |
Bloom Time
| Blooms year-round in tropical climates |
These are the flowers with basic care details that can help gardeners choose the best plant.
Sources:
https://www.thespruce.com/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/
https://www.almanac.com/